This study was designed to provide the Palm Beach County School District with an independent evaluation of the educational program for kindergarten through grade three. Chapter 1 discusses the study design and methodology. Chapter 2 reviews current literature on such topics as nonpromotion and delayed entry; screening, assessment, and placement decisions; parent involvement; school schedules, structures, and characteristics; and program descriptions and directions for school improvement. Chapter 3 examines the kindergarten through grade three program in Palm Beach County. This chapter includes descriptions of the organization and funding of such programs and the components of the current programs; an analysis of the original data collection for the current study; and the results of the study. Chapter 4 discusses recommendations for program improvement. Seven appendixes provide: (1) procedures for school visits by evaluators; (2) correspondence and surveys used with principals, teachers, and parents, along with results; (3) correspondence and surveys for students, along with results; (4) a pamphlet on appropriate education for primary grades; (5) a list of school district documents reviewed; (6) a description of model primary programs; and (7) a report on the extended school concept. Twenty-five resource persons in Florida are provided, with addresses. Exemplary programs in six Florida counties are listed. (Contains 32 annotated print citations.)